Device for displaying and supporting sport related articles

ABSTRACT

The present invention is directed to devices for displaying and/or supporting sports related articles. The device comprises a holder for releasably retaining articles, a least one cord attached to the holder and a means for securing the device to a surface.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention

[0002] The present invention is directed to devices for displaying and/or supporting sports related articles.

[0003] 2. Background Art

[0004] It is not uncommon for children (as well as teens and adults) to participate in various sports and on a number of different teams. Thus, it becomes difficult to organize the vast amount of sporting equipment with different sports requiring different equipment and each team typically having a different uniform. Furthermore, difficulty increases when a family has more than one child participating in a number of sporting activities. Many of these sporting items are kept as memorabilia. However, presently it is difficult to display these various items in an organized manner. Thus a device to display various sporting memorabilia in an organized manner is desired.

[0005] Additionally, those who, or those who have children who participate in various sporting activities understand the need for a device to store and organize sporting equipment. Although prior art has provided storage and organizing devices, most of these devices are typically very large and cumbersome, and require a large space for installation thereof, such as racks. Therefore, there is a need for a compact device for the organization and storage of various sporting equipment.

[0006] Thus, it is an objective of the invention to provide a device for displaying and/or storing various types of sporting equipment and memorabilia in an organized manner.

[0007] A further objective of the invention is to provide a device for indoor/outdoor storage of various sports equipment while maintaining ease in removal for continued use.

[0008] These and further objectives will become apparent in light of the specification appended hereto.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The present invention comprises a device which facilitates in the display of various sports memorabilia. Additionally, the invention may be used as a means for the organization and storage of sporting goods. Such sporting goods are various types of helmets, bats, rackets, jerseys, etc.

[0010] The invention may be personalized with the name of a team, a player, and the dates of the season. Additionally the display device may be fashioned to take the shape of various sports equipment, for example, a baseball, football, tennis ball, sports cup and the like. Such possible capabilities of personalization and shape of the device may provide a further means of organization capabilities.

[0011] Additionally, due to the compact nature of the invention, the device is easily portable. Thus, the device may be taken to games, and sporting equipment may be temporarily stored while not in use i.e. to hold the bat and helmet, or tennis racket and extra balls of a player while not in use during the game.

[0012] A preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a lightweight, disc shaped holder comprising a plastic material, such as in the shape of a sporting ball. The holder is drilled on opposite ends so as to allow the attachment of cords which extend outward in opposing directions, namely, up and down. A clip or S hook may be attached to the upper cord assembly, providing a means for attaching the device to a protrusion of a wall or a chain-link fence. Alternatively, suction cups or clamps can be used—depending on the surface that the device is intended to be attached to. A conventional cord lock is attached to the lower cord assembly which facilitates in securing the butt of a bat, racket or various articles of clothing. A hook assembly, preferably 1.5 to 2 inches in length, extends from the center of the device at an angle of approximately 65 to 70 degrees. Such an angle is desired so as to minimize slippage of the article which the device is holding.

[0013] Another preferred embodiment of the invention comprises a holder comprising a plastic material, which is drilled on opposite sides of the holder. Cords are attached to the holder through the drilled area and extend outward in opposing directions, namely up and down. A clip or S hook is attached to each cord assembly so as to provide a means to hang the device and to hang items therefrom. Either a single or double hook assembly extends from the center of the plastic holder material at an angle of 65-70 degrees to provide a means to hold a helmet or similar item.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014]FIG. 1 of the drawings is a front view of one embodiment of the invention;

[0015]FIG. 2 of the drawings is a side view of one embodiment of the invention;

[0016]FIG. 3 of the drawings is a picture of the invention hung from a protrusion in a wall; and

[0017]FIG. 4 of the drawings is another picture of the invention is use.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] While this invention is susceptible of embodiments in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail several specific embodiments with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the embodiments illustrated.

[0019] Referring now to the figures and in particular FIGS. 1 and 2, a device for displaying sporting memorabilia and/or equipment is shown. Such a device comprises a holder 1 of lightweight material which is drilled on opposite ends 2 for the attachment of cords 3 and 4 which extend upward and downward, respectively, from the holder. A fastening mechanism, 5 is attached to the upper cord assembly 3 so as to allow the device to hang from a protrusion of a wall or a chain-link fence. A conventional cord lock 6 is coupled to the lower cord 4 assembly so as to secure a bat like item, allowing it to hang from the device. A hook assembly 7 extends from the center of the holder, providing a means to hang an item, for example, a sporting helmet or cap.

[0020] The holder 1 may be comprised of various material, depending on the intended use of the device. The holder 1 may comprise a thick plastic material, preferably between 0.50″ to 0.25″ thick. Alternatively, the holder 1 may comprise a thin, lightweight metal material, such as aluminum, with a thickness of ⅛″ to {fraction (1/16)}″. Such a holder, comprising a thick plastic or thin metal, would be suitable for toting along with an athlete as the device would be very lightweight and essentially weather-proof. A holder 1 comprising a glass material, of variable thickness, would be intended for the function of displaying items in a trophy room or the like. Of course other materials, such as a rubber, foam, etc. are also contemplated for use.

[0021] The holder 1 may be fashioned in a variety of different shapes and sizes so as to depict various sporting goods, for example, balls, jerseys, hats and the like. Additionally, the holder may be personalized with an individual or team name using conventional labeling methods.

[0022] The upper and lower cord assemblies 3 and 4 may comprise cords of non-stretchable, such as a rope or similarly fibrous material, or semi stretchable material, such as a bungee cord. The stretchability of the cord assembly will depend on the intended use of the device. Specifically, non-stretchable material may be desirable should the invention be utilized as a valet. The inelasticity of the material would facilitate a secure method of holding, for example, a bat, from the lower cord 4. Use of a stretchable cord would allow the device to be hung from a height at which would normally not be easily accessible. Due to its elasticity, the user is able to tug at the device to bring it to a reachable level without removing the device from its storage place. Furthermore, a combination of stretchable and non-stretchable materials may be used, for instance, a non stretchable material used in the upper cord assembly 3 and a stretchable material in used in the lower cord assembly 4, or vice versa.

[0023] The device is fashioned such that the lower cord assembly is removable so as to facilitate various embodiments of the device. In some cases the user may not have an item to be displayed from the lower cord assembly, accordingly, the lower cord assembly can be removed and replaced at the will of the user.

[0024] The fastening mechanism 5 may comprise an S-hook or clip mechanism. An S-hook is preferred due to its versatility. Using an S-hook, the user is able to conveniently hang the device from a chain-link fence, or the like. Additionally, an S-hook could be used in conjunction with a loop hook screwed into the ceiling of a room such that the device can be hung to display memorabilia. This combination of an S-hook and loop hook can also be used to store sporting goods in ones garage in the same manner. The S-hook also allows ease in removing the device in the event that the user wishes to change the item(s) displayed. Other conventional attachment means may also be used, such as clamps, screws, suction cups, etc., depending on or where the device is to be attached and whether such attachment is intended to be more secure or permanent. In the event that the device is to be hung against a wall, it is noted that a fastening mechanism is not necessary. Accordingly, the fastening mechanism is removable upon will.

[0025] The hook assembly 7 comprises either single or multiple hooks, preferably between 1.5″ and 2″ in length, and preferably at an angle of 65-70 degrees to the holder, 1. A single hook may be placed in the center of the holder to facilitate the hanging of clothing, a helmet, or the like. Using multiple hooks, in a juxtaposed manner, ensures securement of items to be hung. In addition, multiple hooks may be placed in various positions along the holder 1 allowing multiple items to be hung from a single holder.

[0026] The hook assembly 7 may be of either metal, plastic, or rubber material, amongst others. Furthermore, it is preferred that the metal or plastic hooks are rubber coated. The rubber coating will prevent possible rusting of the metal material, and reduces the probability of damaging the items, by scratching, for example. In addition, the rubber coating provides a higher level of friction, thus preventing slippage of the item being hung.

[0027] It will be readily understood that other configurations of this holder and associated components, as well as securement of numerous combinations of sporting related articles are contemplated by the present inventor.

[0028] It should be further understood that the device may also be used to display or support articles other than sports related articles.

[0029] The foregoing description merely explains and illustrates the invention and the invention should not be limited thereto except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, as those skilled in the art who have the present invention before them will be able to make modifications without departing from the scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A device for displaying and supporting sport related articles, comprising: a holder for releasably retaining articles; at least one cord attached to the holder; means for securing the holder to a surface, wherein the securement means is associated with a portion of the at least one cord.
 2. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the holder includes a means for suspending articles.
 3. The invention according to claim 2, wherein the suspending means comprises at least one protruding member.
 4. The invention according to claim 3, wherein the at least one protruding member comprises a hook.
 5. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the holder is fabricated from a material selected from the group consisting of plastic, metal, rubber, foam, and alloys.
 6. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cord comprises two cords.
 7. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cord is fabricated from at least one of an elastic or non-elastic material.
 8. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the securing means comprises at least one of a hook, clip, clamp, suction cup and magnet.
 9. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the holder is configured in a shape representing a sports related article.
 10. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the holder includes indicia.
 11. The invention according to claim 1, wherein the at least one cord is configured as a retaining structure for releaseably suspending articles therefrom. 